Frenzel, Fabian, Böhm, Steffen, Quinton, Pennie, Spicer, André, Sullivan, Sian and Young, Zoe (2011) Comparing alternative media in North and South : the cases of IFIWatchnet and Indymedia in Africa. Environment and Planning A, Vol.43 (No.5). pp. 1173-1189. doi:10.1068/a43539 ISSN 0308-518X.

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Abstract

Alternative media form an important part of the global mediascape. Research on this phenomenon is, however, often drawn from studies in the 'global North'. In this paper we discuss alternative media in the 'global South', by exploring two case studies of cooperation between Northern and Southern partners: IFIWatchnet in South America, and Indymedia Centre in Africa. We highlight how Northern and Southern partners differed in identity, organizational forms, and accountability. We find that Northern partners were oriented to more 'marginal' identities, fluid organizational structures, and informal structures of accountability. In contrast, Southern activists articulated more 'mainstream' identities, relied on more structured forms, and linked to formalized modes of accountability. The result was often significant clashes over what it meant to be alternative media, how alternative media should be organized, and how people should be held to account. This meant that North-South cooperation was often fraught with struggle. These difficulties are reminiscent of the limitations of creating global cooperation through seeking to spread modes of activist organization developed in the North, which emphasize autonomy, networks, fluidity, and, in some instances, direct action.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Alternative mass media -- Research, Alternative mass media -- Censorship, Alternative mass media -- Case studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Environment and Planning A
Publisher:	Pion Ltd.
ISSN:	0308-518X
Official Date:	May 2011
Dates:	Date Event May 2011 Published
Volume:	Vol.43
Number:	No.5
Page Range:	pp. 1173-1189
DOI:	10.1068/a43539
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Grant number:	RES-155-25-0029 (ESRC)

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